What Is the Purpose of a Release of Information Form?

A release of information form allows a patient access to his own medical records and allows him control over to whom those records are released, explains the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Providers often require payment to release medical records and typically don't fax records to protect patient privacy.

Types of medical records that medical offices release upon receipt of a release of information form include consultation reports, X-ray reports, handwritten progress notes, operation reports and pathology or lab reports, according to Virginia Mason Medical Center. Results from specialized tests such as stress tests, MRIs, angiographies, EEGs and CT scans also can be released pursuant to a release of information form.